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- Tasks: Develop and deliver category strategies while managing supplier relationships and contract performance.
- Company: Join a collaborative procurement team at Tokio Marine Kiln, a leader in underwriting.
- Benefits: Flexible working, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to empowerment and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on strategic procurement and help shape the future of the business.
- Qualifications: CIPS Level 4 qualified or equivalent experience in category management.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Category Specialist to join our centralised Procurement team on a 12-month fixed-term contract supporting the delivery of category strategies, robust supplier management, and strong commercial outcomes across the business. Reporting to the Procurement Manager, this role plays a key part in protecting the organisation’s interests through effective contract management, due diligence, and regulatory compliance, while optimising value through strategic sourcing and stakeholder partnership.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver category strategies aligned to business objectives
- Manage supplier relationships, reviews, SLAs, and contract performance
- Lead end‑to‑end sourcing activity, including complex commercial negotiations
- Review and approve third‑party commercial and outsourcing contracts
- Provide procurement and commercial advice to the business
- Identify cost efficiencies and value‑add opportunities
- Ensure compliance with TMK policies and regulatory requirements (FCA, PRA, Lloyd’s)
- Support regulatory requests and operational resilience activity
- Champion company values and responsible procurement practices
Skills & Experience
- CIPS Level 4 qualified (or working towards) or equivalent experience
- Experience in category management or strategic procurement within a complex or multinational environment, especially supporting HR and Professional Services Categories
- Strong commercial and negotiation skills
- Experience with supplier management and outsourcing contracts
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements relating to material outsourcing and operational resilience
- Experience in the use of source to contract systems, specifically Workday / Workday Strategic Sourcing, WSS experience is desirable
- Strong communication skills and ability to influence stakeholders
- Proficient in the use of AI for analysis and general tasks
Why Join Us?
Join a collaborative procurement team with a strong strategic mandate. You’ll work closely with stakeholders across the business, shape category strategies, and play an important role in delivering compliant, value‑driven procurement outcomes. The successful candidate will be welcomed into the TMK family to help us further our purpose of enabling our clients to fulfil their ambitions whilst benefiting society and our people. We are committed to ensuring a safe, open, inclusive and empowering environment in which all of our people can thrive.
All employees have the opportunity to join one or a number of inclusion network groups or take part in CSR and charitable activities. TMK is signed up to the Disability Confident Employer Scheme and we also accommodate flexible working, subject to the TMK flexible working policy.
As an underwriting firm with over 140 years’ experience of protecting clients from changing risks we put our confidence in the ability and talent of our people. We aim to be a ‘Good Company’ and this means being a great and inclusive company to do business with and being a great place to work. Our culture is founded on our core values of empowerment, inclusion, excellence, integrity, teamwork and innovation. We seek to recruit the best talent by endeavouring to reach diverse talent pools, offering dynamic working arrangements and investing in development.
To make your experience as comfortable as possible, please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments or additional assistance during your application process. At Tokio Marine Kiln we are here to support you, please be reassured that we will do all that we can to ensure that your specific needs are met.
If you encounter difficulties submitting your application, please email recruitment@tokiomarinekiln.com.
If you are interested in this vacancy and would like to apply or find out more, please follow the links to apply. You can also share this vacancy with your network using a number of social media platforms.
Category Specialist in London employer: Tokio Marine Kiln Insurance
Contact Detail:
Tokio Marine Kiln Insurance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Specialist in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement field, especially those who work at TMK or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Brush up on your commercial negotiation skills and be ready to discuss your experience with supplier management. We want to see how you can bring value to our team.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your strategic thinking! Be prepared to share examples of how you've developed category strategies in the past. We love candidates who can think outside the box and align their strategies with business objectives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our awesome team.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Specialist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in category management and procurement. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Off Your Negotiation Skills: Since strong commercial and negotiation skills are key for this role, give us examples of past experiences where you’ve successfully negotiated contracts or managed supplier relationships. We love a good success story!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate clarity as much as you do, so make it easy for us to see your potential!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the links provided!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tokio Marine Kiln Insurance
✨Know Your Categories
Before the interview, dive deep into the specific categories you'll be managing. Understand the current market trends, key suppliers, and any recent changes in regulations that could impact procurement. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're proactive and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved significant cost savings or improved supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss your approach to complex commercial negotiations, as this is a crucial part of the role. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your strategies clearly during the interview.
✨Understand Compliance and Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the regulatory requirements relevant to the role, such as FCA and PRA guidelines. Being able to discuss how you ensure compliance in procurement processes will demonstrate your attention to detail and commitment to protecting the organisation’s interests.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would build relationships with various stakeholders across the business. Prepare to discuss your communication style and how you influence others. Highlighting your experience in stakeholder management will show that you can effectively champion company values and drive collaborative outcomes.